The Forest Resource Education Center (FREC), operated by the New Jersey Forest Service, is located in Jackson Township in northern Ocean County. The FREC property contains 660 acres of forested uplands and hardwood swamps bordering the headwaters of the Toms River. The New Jersey Forest Tree Nursery utilizes 45 acres of the site for the propagation and production of more than 300,000 seedlings annually for reforestation and community forestry programs throughout the state.

The experienced staff at the new Interpretive Center provides comprehensive interactive programs for schools, scout and civic groups on the 5.5-mile Project Learning Trail. Outdoor Learning Stations with informational kiosks and "talking trees" are located along the trails.

Sensory Awareness Trail: Take a stroll through the forest and use your five senses to explore and discover nature. Stop to listen to the two talking trees.

ABC Arboretum: Follow the trail and discover a tree or shrub for each letter of the alphabet from A to Z.

Forest Products Loop: At the bee-keeping station find out "What is the buzz about honey?" Experience the tradition of making delicious maple syrup at our sugar shack located in the swamp red maple grove. See our foresters cut logs on our portable woodmizer sawmill.

Watershed Investigations: Explore the headwaters of the Toms River, which flows through the FREC site. Visit the watershed kiosk to learn about the benefits of riparian forest buffers. Enjoy recreational trout fishing and a stroll along the streamside path.

Wildlife Habitats: Discover signs of animals in the forest along the trail. See wildlife habitat enhancements that have been implemented at the learning station.

Seeds to Trees Nursery Tour: Schedule a tour for your group of the NJ Forest Tree Nursery, visit the greenhouse, seedroom, and assist in planting acorns.

Special Events: Each year, the Forest Resource Education Center hosts two special events: Spring Conservation Day and Fall Forestry Festival for the general public, civic organizations, scout groups and families. These annual events feature many of the following activities and demonstrations:

Acorn Planting

Wildlife Habitat Gardening

Interpretive Guided Hikes

Sensory Awareness Trail Experience

Old Fashioned Two Person Saw

Maple Sugaring

Oak Basket Weaving Demonstrations

Sawmill Demonstrations

NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife

Forest Fire Service Exhibit

Tree Arts & Crafts

Autumn Hayride Tours

Bluebird Trail Hike

Jersey Shore Trout Unlimited

Tree Seedling Nursery Tour

Beekeeping Demonstrations

Horse Logging Demonstrations

Master Gardeners

Master Composters

Blacksmith Demonstrations

Chainsaw Carving

Greenhouse Tours

Antique Tractors

Traditional Decoy Carving

Tree Climbing Demonstrations

Building Birdhouses

Tree & Shrub Pruning Techniques

Tour of New Interpretive Center

Target Audience(s)
General public, organizations, educators, students of all ages